UPDATED: A Williamsburg man who was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center following a head-on collision Friday on the Cobin bypass died, while the Corbin man who was driving the other vehicle remains in serious condition at UK.
Corbin Police say 63-year-old Joseph M. Clark of Corbin was driving a Chevrolet Camaro, while 40-year-old Roger Daughetry of Williamsburg was driving a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck.
Police say the Camaro and pickup truck collided in the westbound lane about a mile from the intersection with U.S. 25E. about 4:45 p.m.
Corbin Police Officer Mike Bisschop said witnesses reported that Clark was attempting to pass another vehicle, in a designated no-passing zone and was unable to complete the pass in time to avoid the collision.
Corbin and West Knox firefighters used the Jaws-of-Life to cut the top off of the pickup truck to extricate Daugherty and to free Clark who was trapped inside the Camaro.
Helicopters were brought in to fly both patients from the scene.
The bypass was shut down for more than an hour as emergency personnel worked to clear the scene.
Corbin Police Officer Jeff Hill is continuing the investigation.
Corbin Police Major Rob Jones, the department’s public affairs officer, said Monday that Hill reported smelling an alcoholic beverage on Clark.
As a result, alcohol, excessive speed and improper passing are all considered to be factors in the crash.
